Newsletter October 2025
Newsletter October 2025
Newsletter October 2025
September 15, 2025
September 15, 2025
September 15, 2025
Newsletter
Newsletter
VERSO
VERSO
VERSO
Dear students, Dear university community, New semester, old luck? As summer slowly fades away, the Toni is filling up with people again, and the coffee machines are running at full speed. It's autumn semester time! At the beginning of the semester, we provide you with the latest and most important information from university politics and the VERSO cosmos. We also address some topics that have been submerged during the summer lull. Some important points have accumulated. The perfect reading for your afternoon coffee break!
Dear students, Dear university community, New semester, old luck? As summer slowly fades away, the Toni is filling up with people again, and the coffee machines are running at full speed. It's autumn semester time! At the beginning of the semester, we provide you with the latest and most important information from university politics and the VERSO cosmos. We also address some topics that have been submerged during the summer lull. Some important points have accumulated. The perfect reading for your afternoon coffee break!
Dear students, Dear university community, New semester, old luck? As summer slowly fades away, the Toni is filling up with people again, and the coffee machines are running at full speed. It's autumn semester time! At the beginning of the semester, we provide you with the latest and most important information from university politics and the VERSO cosmos. We also address some topics that have been submerged during the summer lull. Some important points have accumulated. The perfect reading for your afternoon coffee break!
An Overview
Some topics are well known, such as the "Gaillard Report" (now: "Relief Package 27"), a savings package from the federal government that includes cuts in the education sector and thus an increase (doubling and quadrupling) of tuition fees. We will inform you about the latest developments and show how you can get involved.
The "Stabilization Initiative" has led to cost-cutting measures at ZHdK since February, directly affecting students – first and foremost the reduced opening hours. VERSO was able to convince the university management to discuss this in an informational event with the students. The announced evaluation of the opening hours was delayed, which is why we followed up with the safety officer in the summer and forwarded feedback. Since the beginning of the semester, the new, but still limited opening hours for the Toni Areal, Gessnerallee, and the workshops have been established.
In addition, we have collected feedback on our work through the survey "Ask Students" – thank you very much for participating!
Towards the end of the last spring semester, we were concerned with the topic of dropouts and changes in minor programs: We advocate against a strict approach to the needs of students.
We are also very pleased that in the last two semesters (HS 24/25 & FS 25) we were able to support a total of ten student projects in favor of community, diversity, and networking at ZHdK through our VERSO project fund.
Furthermore, we will keep you updated on personnel changes in the student council of VERSO.
So, let’s get started.
An Overview
Some topics are well known, such as the "Gaillard Report" (now: "Relief Package 27"), a savings package from the federal government that includes cuts in the education sector and thus an increase (doubling and quadrupling) of tuition fees. We will inform you about the latest developments and show how you can get involved.
The "Stabilization Initiative" has led to cost-cutting measures at ZHdK since February, directly affecting students – first and foremost the reduced opening hours. VERSO was able to convince the university management to discuss this in an informational event with the students. The announced evaluation of the opening hours was delayed, which is why we followed up with the safety officer in the summer and forwarded feedback. Since the beginning of the semester, the new, but still limited opening hours for the Toni Areal, Gessnerallee, and the workshops have been established.
In addition, we have collected feedback on our work through the survey "Ask Students" – thank you very much for participating!
Towards the end of the last spring semester, we were concerned with the topic of dropouts and changes in minor programs: We advocate against a strict approach to the needs of students.
We are also very pleased that in the last two semesters (HS 24/25 & FS 25) we were able to support a total of ten student projects in favor of community, diversity, and networking at ZHdK through our VERSO project fund.
Furthermore, we will keep you updated on personnel changes in the student council of VERSO.
So, let’s get started.
RELIEF PACKAGE 27
The Relief Package 27 is the report of a group of experts commissioned by the federal government to propose possibilities for savings in the budget. The Federal Department of Finance refers to these savings measures as "[...] a prerequisite for accelerated army growth and for the financing of the federal contribution to the AHV." (See Federal Department of Finance, Relief Package 27)
To this end, among other things, federal funds allocated to the cantons for financing the school and university system will be cut. This would lead to a doubling of tuition fees – for both Swiss and international students, who may even face a quadrupling. This would be a slap in the face for the Swiss education system. For many individuals, studying would then only be possible under difficult conditions or even no longer possible at all – a fatal sign for equality of opportunity, the shortage of skilled workers, and innovation in Switzerland. Short-term savings measures cause long-term damage! Together with the Association of Swiss Student Bodies (VSS)* we are therefore working against an increase in tuition fees.
As the vote in parliament is scheduled for the winter session of 2025, we still have some time left.
On October 1, 2025 at 12:30 p.m., a demonstration against the increase in tuition fees will take place at Helvetiaplatz/Ni-Una-Menos-Platz in Zurich. The national demo will take place in Bern. There is the possibility to go there with discounted tickets and continue the protest – more information on the demo website. To be well-prepared for the demo, VERSO DFA (Fine Arts) is holding a banner workshop on September 29.
Let us together send a message for affordable education!
Current information can be found on our Instagram channel – feel free to also check out the social media channels of the VSS !
*In the popular initiative from March 2024, a 13th AHV pension was voted on. Its financing, however, is still unresolved.
**The Association of Swiss Student Bodies (VSS) is the national umbrella organization for student representations in Switzerland and advocates for the interests of students at the national political level.
MASTER TRANSDISCIPLINARITY
On Monday, September 8, 2025, the university management first informed the staff of the DKV and shortly after the staff of the entire university that the master's program "Transdisciplinarity" will not be continued in its current form in the medium term. This decision was not communicated to the program management in advance. VERSO DKV has taken a position on this and called for signing a petition .
INFO SESSION WITH UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
In the past autumn semester 2024, the school management launched the so-called "stabilization initiative" to balance the financial budget of ZHdK. For students, these measures have been affecting them since February 2025 as follows:
Reduction of free psychological counseling hours
Elimination of the tuition fee remission
Reduction of opening hours of the Toni-Areal, the workshops, and Gessnerallee
In particular, the shortened opening hours of the Toni-Areal, Gessnerallee, and the workshops have caused a lot of frustration and misunderstanding among students. From April 1, 2025, the reduction of opening hours was suspended due to the diploma phase until June 5, 2025, which was welcomed by the students. Since the beginning of the autumn semester, slightly adjusted but still restrictive opening hours have been in effect; more about this in the paragraph "Opening Hours Evaluation".
VERSO has repeatedly criticized the inadequate and sometimes non-transparent communication of the savings measures. Many students felt that they were not being taken seriously.
At the beginning of the year, we proposed to the university management to organize a dialogue format on this topic. The goal was to engage directly with the students: to inform, answer questions, and discuss different viewpoints – instead of imposing measures impersonally via the newsletter.
Initially, our proposal was rejected on the grounds that the respective departmental heads would handle communication with the students. However, since this did not align with our intention for a communal dialogue with students, we pressed for it, and the university management finally held an information event about the stabilization of finances on May 28, 2025.
There, director Karin Mairitsch, together with administrative director Hans-Ueli Gasser and head of finance and controlling Stefan Weinmann, informed the students about the background of the
stabilization initiative. For anyone who could not attend the info event, it is recommended to watch the recording on the ZHdK intranet here.
We are pleased that this event took place, but we would also like to address points that did not go optimally during the execution. Since the meeting was held in German, it was difficult for many students to follow the event. Additionally, we would have liked more dialogue and less justification: questions from students seemed to be given little attention and were sometimes answered inadequately.
Following the event, VERSO also submitted a list of questions to the university management, which has already been answered in writing and is available on the intranet. You can also find it on the previously linked page with the video of the info event. Directly under the video preview, the list can be downloaded as a PDF.
RELIEF PACKAGE 27
The Relief Package 27 is the report of a group of experts commissioned by the federal government to propose possibilities for savings in the budget. The Federal Department of Finance refers to these savings measures as "[...] a prerequisite for accelerated army growth and for the financing of the federal contribution to the AHV." (See Federal Department of Finance, Relief Package 27)
To this end, among other things, federal funds allocated to the cantons for financing the school and university system will be cut. This would lead to a doubling of tuition fees – for both Swiss and international students, who may even face a quadrupling. This would be a slap in the face for the Swiss education system. For many individuals, studying would then only be possible under difficult conditions or even no longer possible at all – a fatal sign for equality of opportunity, the shortage of skilled workers, and innovation in Switzerland. Short-term savings measures cause long-term damage! Together with the Association of Swiss Student Bodies (VSS)* we are therefore working against an increase in tuition fees.
As the vote in parliament is scheduled for the winter session of 2025, we still have some time left.
On October 1, 2025 at 12:30 p.m., a demonstration against the increase in tuition fees will take place at Helvetiaplatz/Ni-Una-Menos-Platz in Zurich. The national demo will take place in Bern. There is the possibility to go there with discounted tickets and continue the protest – more information on the demo website. To be well-prepared for the demo, VERSO DFA (Fine Arts) is holding a banner workshop on September 29.
Let us together send a message for affordable education!
Current information can be found on our Instagram channel – feel free to also check out the social media channels of the VSS !
*In the popular initiative from March 2024, a 13th AHV pension was voted on. Its financing, however, is still unresolved.
**The Association of Swiss Student Bodies (VSS) is the national umbrella organization for student representations in Switzerland and advocates for the interests of students at the national political level.
MASTER TRANSDISCIPLINARITY
On Monday, September 8, 2025, the university management first informed the staff of the DKV and shortly after the staff of the entire university that the master's program "Transdisciplinarity" will not be continued in its current form in the medium term. This decision was not communicated to the program management in advance. VERSO DKV has taken a position on this and called for signing a petition .
INFO SESSION WITH UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
In the past autumn semester 2024, the school management launched the so-called "stabilization initiative" to balance the financial budget of ZHdK. For students, these measures have been affecting them since February 2025 as follows:
Reduction of free psychological counseling hours
Elimination of the tuition fee remission
Reduction of opening hours of the Toni-Areal, the workshops, and Gessnerallee
In particular, the shortened opening hours of the Toni-Areal, Gessnerallee, and the workshops have caused a lot of frustration and misunderstanding among students. From April 1, 2025, the reduction of opening hours was suspended due to the diploma phase until June 5, 2025, which was welcomed by the students. Since the beginning of the autumn semester, slightly adjusted but still restrictive opening hours have been in effect; more about this in the paragraph "Opening Hours Evaluation".
VERSO has repeatedly criticized the inadequate and sometimes non-transparent communication of the savings measures. Many students felt that they were not being taken seriously.
At the beginning of the year, we proposed to the university management to organize a dialogue format on this topic. The goal was to engage directly with the students: to inform, answer questions, and discuss different viewpoints – instead of imposing measures impersonally via the newsletter.
Initially, our proposal was rejected on the grounds that the respective departmental heads would handle communication with the students. However, since this did not align with our intention for a communal dialogue with students, we pressed for it, and the university management finally held an information event about the stabilization of finances on May 28, 2025.
There, director Karin Mairitsch, together with administrative director Hans-Ueli Gasser and head of finance and controlling Stefan Weinmann, informed the students about the background of the
stabilization initiative. For anyone who could not attend the info event, it is recommended to watch the recording on the ZHdK intranet here.
We are pleased that this event took place, but we would also like to address points that did not go optimally during the execution. Since the meeting was held in German, it was difficult for many students to follow the event. Additionally, we would have liked more dialogue and less justification: questions from students seemed to be given little attention and were sometimes answered inadequately.
Following the event, VERSO also submitted a list of questions to the university management, which has already been answered in writing and is available on the intranet. You can also find it on the previously linked page with the video of the info event. Directly under the video preview, the list can be downloaded as a PDF.
Evaluation Opening Hours
The evaluation of the reduced opening hours of the Toni Areal, the workshops, and the lending service (Leihs) took place during the summer and was led by the safety officer of ZHdK, Marc Berthoud. The departments and students provided their feedback by the end of June, and VERSO also submitted comprehensive feedback. Just before the start of the semester, an email was sent regarding the possible adjustments. Unfortunately, this caused confusion as the email only mentioned the opening hours for external persons – not those applicable to students with a badge.
The change is that the workshops are now open until 21:30 instead of 19:00 – the "Leihs" remains open only until 16:00, as it was before the semester break, and the presence of security personnel in the evenings has been extended. The general opening hours of the Toni Areal (for students with a badge) remain the same – from 00:00-07:00 the ZHdK premises are closed.
We welcome the accommodation regarding the workshops, but still want to appeal to suspend the restrictions on opening hours during the diploma phase again. During this time, it is particularly important for students to be able to work flexibly due to the increased workload. We continue to advocate for extended opening hours in dialogue with the university.
New opening hours relevant for students starting from Autumn Semester 2025
Toni Areal and Gessnerallee (with badge): 07:00-24:00 (the DMU practice rooms in the basement are still available around the clock (24/7) and can be accessed after 00:00 via the entry under the ramp)
Workshops in the Toni Areal: Mon-Fri 08:00-21:30 and Sat 08:00-18:00
Lending service (Leihs): 11:00-16:00
Further regulations, e.g., for the public, can be found in the email from the Postmasters Service dated 11.09.
SUMMER CLOSURE OF WORKSHOPS
This summer, the workshops were closed for a whole ten weeks – instead of the usual four. This was not communicated beforehand and was therefore unexpected for everyone.
The closure was, contrary to the assumption of the workshop managers, not related to the savings measures. Rather, it was necessary because all devices, outlets, and other electrical installations had to be inspected by professionals.
ZHdK stated: "Without the extension of the closure times, ZHdK would have to increase personnel in the workshops and in the lending service for the inspections. The inspections cannot be conducted during ongoing operations." (See PDF document "Questions from Verso regarding the information event on stabilizing finances from May 28, 2025", available on the intranet).
We have communicated the dissatisfaction with the poor communication. The responsible persons subsequently apologized for the lack of information.
UPDATE ON FINANCIAL SUPPORT AT ZHDK
The financial support for students at ZHdK is currently lacking – especially since the so-called "tuition fee waiver" was abolished nearly a year ago. ZHdK is willing to find new possibilities for financial support for students and is in dialogue with VERSO.
Nevertheless, the implementation of concrete solutions is progressing slowly. VERSO has already gathered ideas at the beginning of 2025 and held a session of the semester council exclusively on this topic. We would be very pleased about concrete progress and are confident that suitable solutions can be found.
"ASK STUDENTS"
Another survey? Yes, but this time not about the menu options in the cafeteria, but about VERSO! As an organization, it is important for us to get feedback every once in a while: How is VERSO perceived in the larger context, which part of our work stands out (or not) and what do students wish for in terms of focus areas. With the survey "Ask Students," we wanted to gauge the opinion of the student body on current issues such as the savings measures at ZHdK, the new study model, or the attitude towards VERSO. Thank you for participating!
VERSO PROJECT FUND
Every semester, VERSO issues a project fund. We want to financially support projects that promote community, diversity, and networking at ZHdK and benefit students directly or indirectly. This fund is announced at the start of each semester, and ZHdK students can apply for amounts of CHF 100 to 2,300 for their projects. In the Spring Semester 2025, the semester council of VERSO had CHF 6412.64 available for distribution.
Our selection process works as follows: Applications can be submitted by a set deadline. Afterwards, our largest body, the semester council*, reviews the applications, discusses them, and decides which projects meet the specified criteria and to what extent they will be funded. In the Autumn Semester 2024/25, we were able to support a total of six projects, and in the Spring Semester 2025, four projects. At least a few of them should have caught your attention; for instance, the project "The Dialogue Chamber" with a blue dialogue box in the lobby of Toni. The workshop party is also listed as one of the major parties at ZHdK.
A complete listing can be found here:
Autumn Semester 2024/25
Closlieu – Space for Painting and Sharing
Workshop Party
The Dialogue Chamber
Fine Arts Writing Group
Empathic Materials – A Materialistic Conversation About Ambiguity & Acceptance
Culinary Connections: A Cultural Cooking Night
Spring Semester 2025
Afro-Asian-Ocean
Paratopia
Plant-Based Cuisine for All
La Ruche – Pop-up Café
You can discover pictures of some projects (HS 24/25) at the end of this newsletter. Also this semester, our "Project Fund" will be announced again; apply with your ideas for diversity, interdepartmental networking, and community at ZHdK!
*The semester council, along with the student council, is one of our highest bodies in the VERSO-cosmos. With 30 members from all 5 departments, it is also our largest interdepartmental working group. The semester council meets twice a semester.
POSITION PAPER "CHANGE & CESSATION OF MINORS"
Some processes in the new major-minor model, such as the exact handling of cessations and change processes of minors, were not yet finalized last semester. VERSO was informed about several cases in which the handling of such processes was problematic from the perspective of those affected. As a result, we drafted a position paper outlining our criticism and concrete demands.
We are pleased that we have had discussions with the university management on this topic and were able to achieve a modification of the regulation regarding minor cessations effective at the beginning of HS25:
A minor cessation is now possible at the end of each semester. To initiate a cessation or change, the consent of the minor and major leadership must be obtained.
TEAM UPDATE
With Laura Gubler (DKV), one of our most experienced members in the student council will be leaving us in the summer of 2025: After four and a half years as a member of the student council, especially in her role as co-president, we would like to sincerely thank her for her considerable commitment to VERSO! Corentin Bezencon (DMU) is also finishing his work at VERSO – we also say thank you very much! We wish both the best for the future and are of course a bit sad.
A farewell is always also a new beginning, which is why we are pleased that Sita Peiler (DFA) has agreed to take the position in the co-presidency together with Lea Grünbichler (DDK). We also welcome some new faces to our committee with Olivia Stutz (DDE), Juliette Heiniger (DFA), and Alicia Meier (DKV), and we look forward to the exciting process of a team that keeps mixing within the student council!
That brings us to the end of our autumn newsletter – we are glad you stayed with us until the end!
Over and out,
VERSO
Evaluation Opening Hours
The evaluation of the reduced opening hours of the Toni Areal, the workshops, and the lending service (Leihs) took place during the summer and was led by the safety officer of ZHdK, Marc Berthoud. The departments and students provided their feedback by the end of June, and VERSO also submitted comprehensive feedback. Just before the start of the semester, an email was sent regarding the possible adjustments. Unfortunately, this caused confusion as the email only mentioned the opening hours for external persons – not those applicable to students with a badge.
The change is that the workshops are now open until 21:30 instead of 19:00 – the "Leihs" remains open only until 16:00, as it was before the semester break, and the presence of security personnel in the evenings has been extended. The general opening hours of the Toni Areal (for students with a badge) remain the same – from 00:00-07:00 the ZHdK premises are closed.
We welcome the accommodation regarding the workshops, but still want to appeal to suspend the restrictions on opening hours during the diploma phase again. During this time, it is particularly important for students to be able to work flexibly due to the increased workload. We continue to advocate for extended opening hours in dialogue with the university.
New opening hours relevant for students starting from Autumn Semester 2025
Toni Areal and Gessnerallee (with badge): 07:00-24:00 (the DMU practice rooms in the basement are still available around the clock (24/7) and can be accessed after 00:00 via the entry under the ramp)
Workshops in the Toni Areal: Mon-Fri 08:00-21:30 and Sat 08:00-18:00
Lending service (Leihs): 11:00-16:00
Further regulations, e.g., for the public, can be found in the email from the Postmasters Service dated 11.09.
SUMMER CLOSURE OF WORKSHOPS
This summer, the workshops were closed for a whole ten weeks – instead of the usual four. This was not communicated beforehand and was therefore unexpected for everyone.
The closure was, contrary to the assumption of the workshop managers, not related to the savings measures. Rather, it was necessary because all devices, outlets, and other electrical installations had to be inspected by professionals.
ZHdK stated: "Without the extension of the closure times, ZHdK would have to increase personnel in the workshops and in the lending service for the inspections. The inspections cannot be conducted during ongoing operations." (See PDF document "Questions from Verso regarding the information event on stabilizing finances from May 28, 2025", available on the intranet).
We have communicated the dissatisfaction with the poor communication. The responsible persons subsequently apologized for the lack of information.
UPDATE ON FINANCIAL SUPPORT AT ZHDK
The financial support for students at ZHdK is currently lacking – especially since the so-called "tuition fee waiver" was abolished nearly a year ago. ZHdK is willing to find new possibilities for financial support for students and is in dialogue with VERSO.
Nevertheless, the implementation of concrete solutions is progressing slowly. VERSO has already gathered ideas at the beginning of 2025 and held a session of the semester council exclusively on this topic. We would be very pleased about concrete progress and are confident that suitable solutions can be found.
"ASK STUDENTS"
Another survey? Yes, but this time not about the menu options in the cafeteria, but about VERSO! As an organization, it is important for us to get feedback every once in a while: How is VERSO perceived in the larger context, which part of our work stands out (or not) and what do students wish for in terms of focus areas. With the survey "Ask Students," we wanted to gauge the opinion of the student body on current issues such as the savings measures at ZHdK, the new study model, or the attitude towards VERSO. Thank you for participating!
VERSO PROJECT FUND
Every semester, VERSO issues a project fund. We want to financially support projects that promote community, diversity, and networking at ZHdK and benefit students directly or indirectly. This fund is announced at the start of each semester, and ZHdK students can apply for amounts of CHF 100 to 2,300 for their projects. In the Spring Semester 2025, the semester council of VERSO had CHF 6412.64 available for distribution.
Our selection process works as follows: Applications can be submitted by a set deadline. Afterwards, our largest body, the semester council*, reviews the applications, discusses them, and decides which projects meet the specified criteria and to what extent they will be funded. In the Autumn Semester 2024/25, we were able to support a total of six projects, and in the Spring Semester 2025, four projects. At least a few of them should have caught your attention; for instance, the project "The Dialogue Chamber" with a blue dialogue box in the lobby of Toni. The workshop party is also listed as one of the major parties at ZHdK.
A complete listing can be found here:
Autumn Semester 2024/25
Closlieu – Space for Painting and Sharing
Workshop Party
The Dialogue Chamber
Fine Arts Writing Group
Empathic Materials – A Materialistic Conversation About Ambiguity & Acceptance
Culinary Connections: A Cultural Cooking Night
Spring Semester 2025
Afro-Asian-Ocean
Paratopia
Plant-Based Cuisine for All
La Ruche – Pop-up Café
You can discover pictures of some projects (HS 24/25) at the end of this newsletter. Also this semester, our "Project Fund" will be announced again; apply with your ideas for diversity, interdepartmental networking, and community at ZHdK!
*The semester council, along with the student council, is one of our highest bodies in the VERSO-cosmos. With 30 members from all 5 departments, it is also our largest interdepartmental working group. The semester council meets twice a semester.
POSITION PAPER "CHANGE & CESSATION OF MINORS"
Some processes in the new major-minor model, such as the exact handling of cessations and change processes of minors, were not yet finalized last semester. VERSO was informed about several cases in which the handling of such processes was problematic from the perspective of those affected. As a result, we drafted a position paper outlining our criticism and concrete demands.
We are pleased that we have had discussions with the university management on this topic and were able to achieve a modification of the regulation regarding minor cessations effective at the beginning of HS25:
A minor cessation is now possible at the end of each semester. To initiate a cessation or change, the consent of the minor and major leadership must be obtained.
TEAM UPDATE
With Laura Gubler (DKV), one of our most experienced members in the student council will be leaving us in the summer of 2025: After four and a half years as a member of the student council, especially in her role as co-president, we would like to sincerely thank her for her considerable commitment to VERSO! Corentin Bezencon (DMU) is also finishing his work at VERSO – we also say thank you very much! We wish both the best for the future and are of course a bit sad.
A farewell is always also a new beginning, which is why we are pleased that Sita Peiler (DFA) has agreed to take the position in the co-presidency together with Lea Grünbichler (DDK). We also welcome some new faces to our committee with Olivia Stutz (DDE), Juliette Heiniger (DFA), and Alicia Meier (DKV), and we look forward to the exciting process of a team that keeps mixing within the student council!
That brings us to the end of our autumn newsletter – we are glad you stayed with us until the end!
Over and out,
VERSO
Evaluation Opening Hours
The evaluation of the reduced opening hours of the Toni Areal, the workshops, and the lending service (Leihs) took place during the summer and was led by the safety officer of ZHdK, Marc Berthoud. The departments and students provided their feedback by the end of June, and VERSO also submitted comprehensive feedback. Just before the start of the semester, an email was sent regarding the possible adjustments. Unfortunately, this caused confusion as the email only mentioned the opening hours for external persons – not those applicable to students with a badge.
The change is that the workshops are now open until 21:30 instead of 19:00 – the "Leihs" remains open only until 16:00, as it was before the semester break, and the presence of security personnel in the evenings has been extended. The general opening hours of the Toni Areal (for students with a badge) remain the same – from 00:00-07:00 the ZHdK premises are closed.
We welcome the accommodation regarding the workshops, but still want to appeal to suspend the restrictions on opening hours during the diploma phase again. During this time, it is particularly important for students to be able to work flexibly due to the increased workload. We continue to advocate for extended opening hours in dialogue with the university.
New opening hours relevant for students starting from Autumn Semester 2025
Toni Areal and Gessnerallee (with badge): 07:00-24:00 (the DMU practice rooms in the basement are still available around the clock (24/7) and can be accessed after 00:00 via the entry under the ramp)
Workshops in the Toni Areal: Mon-Fri 08:00-21:30 and Sat 08:00-18:00
Lending service (Leihs): 11:00-16:00
Further regulations, e.g., for the public, can be found in the email from the Postmasters Service dated 11.09.
SUMMER CLOSURE OF WORKSHOPS
This summer, the workshops were closed for a whole ten weeks – instead of the usual four. This was not communicated beforehand and was therefore unexpected for everyone.
The closure was, contrary to the assumption of the workshop managers, not related to the savings measures. Rather, it was necessary because all devices, outlets, and other electrical installations had to be inspected by professionals.
ZHdK stated: "Without the extension of the closure times, ZHdK would have to increase personnel in the workshops and in the lending service for the inspections. The inspections cannot be conducted during ongoing operations." (See PDF document "Questions from Verso regarding the information event on stabilizing finances from May 28, 2025", available on the intranet).
We have communicated the dissatisfaction with the poor communication. The responsible persons subsequently apologized for the lack of information.
UPDATE ON FINANCIAL SUPPORT AT ZHDK
The financial support for students at ZHdK is currently lacking – especially since the so-called "tuition fee waiver" was abolished nearly a year ago. ZHdK is willing to find new possibilities for financial support for students and is in dialogue with VERSO.
Nevertheless, the implementation of concrete solutions is progressing slowly. VERSO has already gathered ideas at the beginning of 2025 and held a session of the semester council exclusively on this topic. We would be very pleased about concrete progress and are confident that suitable solutions can be found.
"ASK STUDENTS"
Another survey? Yes, but this time not about the menu options in the cafeteria, but about VERSO! As an organization, it is important for us to get feedback every once in a while: How is VERSO perceived in the larger context, which part of our work stands out (or not) and what do students wish for in terms of focus areas. With the survey "Ask Students," we wanted to gauge the opinion of the student body on current issues such as the savings measures at ZHdK, the new study model, or the attitude towards VERSO. Thank you for participating!
VERSO PROJECT FUND
Every semester, VERSO issues a project fund. We want to financially support projects that promote community, diversity, and networking at ZHdK and benefit students directly or indirectly. This fund is announced at the start of each semester, and ZHdK students can apply for amounts of CHF 100 to 2,300 for their projects. In the Spring Semester 2025, the semester council of VERSO had CHF 6412.64 available for distribution.
Our selection process works as follows: Applications can be submitted by a set deadline. Afterwards, our largest body, the semester council*, reviews the applications, discusses them, and decides which projects meet the specified criteria and to what extent they will be funded. In the Autumn Semester 2024/25, we were able to support a total of six projects, and in the Spring Semester 2025, four projects. At least a few of them should have caught your attention; for instance, the project "The Dialogue Chamber" with a blue dialogue box in the lobby of Toni. The workshop party is also listed as one of the major parties at ZHdK.
A complete listing can be found here:
Autumn Semester 2024/25
Closlieu – Space for Painting and Sharing
Workshop Party
The Dialogue Chamber
Fine Arts Writing Group
Empathic Materials – A Materialistic Conversation About Ambiguity & Acceptance
Culinary Connections: A Cultural Cooking Night
Spring Semester 2025
Afro-Asian-Ocean
Paratopia
Plant-Based Cuisine for All
La Ruche – Pop-up Café
You can discover pictures of some projects (HS 24/25) at the end of this newsletter. Also this semester, our "Project Fund" will be announced again; apply with your ideas for diversity, interdepartmental networking, and community at ZHdK!
*The semester council, along with the student council, is one of our highest bodies in the VERSO-cosmos. With 30 members from all 5 departments, it is also our largest interdepartmental working group. The semester council meets twice a semester.
POSITION PAPER "CHANGE & CESSATION OF MINORS"
Some processes in the new major-minor model, such as the exact handling of cessations and change processes of minors, were not yet finalized last semester. VERSO was informed about several cases in which the handling of such processes was problematic from the perspective of those affected. As a result, we drafted a position paper outlining our criticism and concrete demands.
We are pleased that we have had discussions with the university management on this topic and were able to achieve a modification of the regulation regarding minor cessations effective at the beginning of HS25:
A minor cessation is now possible at the end of each semester. To initiate a cessation or change, the consent of the minor and major leadership must be obtained.
TEAM UPDATE
With Laura Gubler (DKV), one of our most experienced members in the student council will be leaving us in the summer of 2025: After four and a half years as a member of the student council, especially in her role as co-president, we would like to sincerely thank her for her considerable commitment to VERSO! Corentin Bezencon (DMU) is also finishing his work at VERSO – we also say thank you very much! We wish both the best for the future and are of course a bit sad.
A farewell is always also a new beginning, which is why we are pleased that Sita Peiler (DFA) has agreed to take the position in the co-presidency together with Lea Grünbichler (DDK). We also welcome some new faces to our committee with Olivia Stutz (DDE), Juliette Heiniger (DFA), and Alicia Meier (DKV), and we look forward to the exciting process of a team that keeps mixing within the student council!
That brings us to the end of our autumn newsletter – we are glad you stayed with us until the end!
Over and out,
VERSO
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All ZHdK students receive the newsletter automatically. If you do not receive the newsletter, you are welcome to subscribe to it here.
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Quicklinks
Newsletter
All ZHdK students receive the newsletter automatically. If you do not receive the newsletter, you are welcome to subscribe to it here.
Nov 24
Newsletter
General Assembly, statements, information event and more
Sep 15
Newsletter
EP27, stabilization initiative, question students, etc...
More articles
Nov 24
Newsletter
General Assembly, statements, information event and more
Sep 15
Newsletter
EP27, stabilization initiative, question students, etc...